Three African spears for ID

Martin Lubojacky · 18th February 2013, 02:12 PM

Hi Iain,
I am just giving ideas for disposal. I have problem with scanner now, but I will try to post copies of two pictures (you will find similarities) and I do also hope it will be OK with copyright..... - This as far as Nos. 1 and 3 are concerned.
Re. double headed spear - it is true it resembles Abyssinian and Somali spearheads. But I don´t think it was designed as ceremonial. I am sure here are much more experienced and well-versed collectors here, maybe they will also join this thread
Regards,
Martin

Pukka Bundook · 18th February 2013, 02:37 PM

Iain,

I think you are close re. the origin of these spears.
I'm no expert, but the decoration to me appears correct for the areas you mention.

Martin,
I agree that the manner of manufacturing the first spear has similarities with some from India, but the decoration appears much more African to me.
India, diverse as it is, still retains certain types of decoration, and I don't think the above fit.

All best,
Richard.

Iain · 18th February 2013, 05:20 PM

Hi Martin,

I'm really grateful you are sharing your thoughts. I am no expert in spears, so I can easily be wrong.

For 3 I thought this was more or less the classic Madagascar design? I saw many spears before with this attribution - but you are right that the silver collar is very unusual.

For 1 I am very interested to see any related photos. I can find nothing in this style really in my few books.

I think for copyright it will be ok - it is only for discussion and should be covered by "fair use".

Richard,

Thanks for the encouraging words. Spears are a new area for me and I am trying to learn as much as I can.

Martin Lubojacky · 18th February 2013, 08:41 PM

Pictures from Islamic Weapons from Maghreb to Moghul by A.C. Tirri
regards,
Martin

zalmoxis · 19th February 2013, 08:20 PM

First spear West African Mossi typical file work.
Second spear Ethiopian very nice rare double head feature.
Third spear from Madagascar.
Second and third from Tiri's book also spears from Madagascar...hmm you wonder about the reach of the Ottoman empire:-)

Atlantia · 19th February 2013, 08:42 PM

I told you Iain,

One spear leads to three spears......
Next it'll be boxes and bowls and god knows what else!

Iain · 19th February 2013, 09:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zalmoxis

First spear West African Mossi typical file work.
Second spear Ethiopian very nice rare double head feature.
Third spear from Madagascar.
Second and third from Tiri's book also spears from Madagascar...hmm you wonder about the reach of the Ottoman empire:-)

Thanks for the input.

Could you share the source for IDing the Mossi spear? It certainly fits to the region. I've always had a passing interest in the culture - however as most here know my interest has always been swords not spears - hence my lack of reference material. They are a group with a fascinating history, particularly their relation to the Muslim kingdoms surrounding them.

Gene,

It's a horrible, horrible disease.

Cheers,

Iain

18th February 2013, 08:41 PM	#4
Martin Lubojacky Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Czech Republic Posts: 843	Pictures from Islamic Weapons from Maghreb to Moghul by A.C. Tirri regards, Martin Attached Images

19th February 2013, 08:20 PM	#5
zalmoxis Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: GA USA Posts: 76	Spears First spear West African Mossi typical file work. Second spear Ethiopian very nice rare double head feature. Third spear from Madagascar. Second and third from Tiri's book also spears from Madagascar...hmm you wonder about the reach of the Ottoman empire:-)

18th February 2013, 02:12 PM	#1
Martin Lubojacky Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Czech Republic Posts: 843	Hi Iain, I am just giving ideas for disposal. I have problem with scanner now, but I will try to post copies of two pictures (you will find similarities) and I do also hope it will be OK with copyright..... - This as far as Nos. 1 and 3 are concerned. Re. double headed spear - it is true it resembles Abyssinian and Somali spearheads. But I don´t think it was designed as ceremonial. I am sure here are much more experienced and well-versed collectors here, maybe they will also join this thread Regards, Martin

18th February 2013, 02:37 PM	#2
Pukka Bundook Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 803	Iain, I think you are close re. the origin of these spears. I'm no expert, but the decoration to me appears correct for the areas you mention. Martin, I agree that the manner of manufacturing the first spear has similarities with some from India, but the decoration appears much more African to me. India, diverse as it is, still retains certain types of decoration, and I don't think the above fit. All best, Richard.

18th February 2013, 05:20 PM	#3
Iain Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Olomouc Posts: 1,717	Hi Martin, I'm really grateful you are sharing your thoughts. I am no expert in spears, so I can easily be wrong. For 3 I thought this was more or less the classic Madagascar design? I saw many spears before with this attribution - but you are right that the silver collar is very unusual. For 1 I am very interested to see any related photos. I can find nothing in this style really in my few books. I think for copyright it will be ok - it is only for discussion and should be covered by "fair use". Richard, Thanks for the encouraging words. Spears are a new area for me and I am trying to learn as much as I can.

19th February 2013, 08:42 PM	#6
Atlantia Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: The Sharp end Posts: 2,928	I told you Iain, One spear leads to three spears...... Next it'll be boxes and bowls and god knows what else!